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The Must-Dos and Must-Sees at This Year’s Nor Cal Renaissance Faire

“Eat, drink, and be merry” has long been the goal of weekend revelers. Lucky for us, once a year, an event occurs whose sole purpose is to imbibe, feast, and entertain: the Northern California Renaissance Faire. Beginning September 14th and running through October 20th, the Renaissance Faire in Hollister will be dazzling and delighting guests with an immersive Renaissance experience. Known as a haven for beer enthusiasts and gamers, the festivities this year include all the classic fun of the Ren Faire while bringing a cultural and artistic flair to the proceedings. With a different theme each weekend, the 2019 Renaissance Faire truly has something for everyone. Read on to learn how you and your friends can win at life at this year’s Nor Cal Ren Faire!

With over 600 actors in costume roaming the 20-acre grounds of Willingtown, you’re sure to interact with the locals. To truly get into the magic of Renaissance culture, it’s best you arrive in costume so you can play, too! No costume, no problem! You can rent one on site at the Belrose Custume shop just inside the front gate. However, if you plan to come on multiple weekends, consider investing in your own 15th-century digs. There are tons of artisan clothing shops to get you decked out in a look you’ll love. Plus, medieval accessories rule! Swords! Hats! Armor! Bags! Necklaces! Goblets! If you look the part, you’ll live the part.

At this year’s Ren Faire: six weekends, six unique themes, six free concerts. We’ve highlighted them here so you can know how best to experience each one.

September 14th and 15th Opening Weekend

Anyone looking to experience the full magic of the Renaissance Faire has to come opening weekend. The electricity in the air at the jousting tourney, the scent of sizzling meat, the rich, refreshing taste of an artisan ale, and the singing, dancing, and comedy of the shows, all unveiled for the first time: There’s nothing like it. This year, the Nor Cal Ren Faire will be celebrating 15 years of Renaissance decadence in its magical village. You’ll want to be a part of history.

Who has more fun than pirates? No one! Witness as these swashbuckling ne’er–do-wells invade the village of Willingtown. All the fun and feasting of the Ren Faire, but with pirates! This weekend is especially amazing for those of us who like to party in pirate costume.

Have you ever thought that the one thing missing from the Renaissance Faire is Wonder Woman? How about Alexander the Great? Or Darth Vader? At Heroes and Villains weekend, this dream is a reality. Come dressed as your favorite hero or villain from history, literature, film, or your own imagination, and have a blast. The more left field the better!

This one’s a no-brainer. Every weekend is a beer enthusiast’s dream at the Renaissance Faire, but Oktoberfest weekend is next level. German Mercenaries celebrate the harvest season with the best cold ale Willingtown has to offer. Dress up in traditional German garb for a chance to win the best-dressed prize.

A yearly highlight for couples and singles attending the Ren Faire, Masquerade weekend is the weekend of mystery. Come dressed in a mask or have one painted on, and see the festivities through a new vantage point. The queen and her revelers will be masked as well and looking for the most fantastic mask to award each day.

Find your fantasy at the best Halloween party in Northern California. The village of Willingtown has come under a terrifying spell. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume, and experience the spooky side of Ren Faire.

It’s nearly impossible to encompass the immersive nature of the Nor Cal Ren Faire. To get the full experience, you really need to go all in. With nine stages continuously operating throughout the weekend with music, comedy, fire eating, dancing, and falconry, you’ll want to stop by each one.

The full-contact jousting event is a must-see, with knights riding at full speed atop beautiful stallions. Full-contact jousting is something you won’t see at any other Renaissance Faire—so don’t miss it.

Want to have a pint then throw an ax? Done. Learn archery from a weapons master? Check. Shop at over 200 artisan booths with guest artists every week? You got it. Eat a gigantic turkey leg and get lost in a maze? Absolutely. Enjoy food and beer from all over the world, including vegetarian and gluten-free options? The Nor Cal Ren Faire is the place. Bring your take-no-prisoners approach to fun, and the Ren Faire will provide the rest.

Join the fun!

Be the hero of your group, and know the details. It’s $28 to get in, but once you’re in, all the events and activities are free—including the concerts on Saturdays. There’s one central gate that opens at 10am, and ins and outs are permitted. The Faire goes until 7pm on Saturdays and 6pm on Sundays. Parking is $10, so carpooling with friends or another couple is a smart move. There are special weekend promotions and discounts for groups and military, so check out norcalrenfaire.com for more info. There are hotel accommodations nearby if you want to make an entire weekend of it (which is the pro move). The Northern California Renaissance Faire is located at Pacheco Pass, HWY 152, 10031 Pacheco Pass HWY, Hollister, CA 95023. See you there!